Valentines help remember vets

January 06, 2002|By Ann Landers.

Dear Ann Landers: Every February, Americans open their hearts to our country's hospitalized veterans by sending cards and letters to Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical centers across the country through your "Valentines for Vets" program. Over the years, millions of your readers have demonstrated their appreciation of our nation's veterans by sending them valentines during the National Salute to Hospitalized Veterans. I cannot tell you how much these thoughtful gestures have meant to our honored veterans.

Approximately 3.4 million of our veterans receive health care in VA facilities annually, and another 2.8 million receive other VA benefits. As a result of your column last year, nearly 900,000 valentines were delivered to VA medical centers, and more than 73,000 patients were visited by members of the community. We are hoping for an even bigger response from your readers this year.

I would like to urge all of your readers to take a little time out of their busy schedules to contact a VA medical center Voluntary Services office and find out how they can assist our country's most-honored heroes.

In 2002, the National Salute to Hospitalized Veterans will be observed the week of Feb. 10-17, which includes Valentine's Day. Addresses of our facilities can be obtained from local telephone directories, by calling the VA toll-free number at 1-800-827-1000 or by accessing the VA Web site at www.va.gov/volunteer.

Dear Secretary Principi: I've always known that my readers are the most warmhearted, responsive people in the world. When I ask them to do something, they come through like champions.

It's time once again to let our veterans know we appreciate them. It won't cost a lot, and it's sure to bring enormous pleasure to our vets, to whom we owe so much.

On any given day, there are approximately 187,000 veterans treated through the 172 Department of Veterans Affairs medical centers nationwide. These men and women served in World War I, World War II, Korea, Vietnam, the Persian Gulf, Bosnia, Kosovo and all the places where our soldiers have been sent around the world. These soldiers represent every race, color and creed. We now have soldiers in Afghanistan who may one day need the services of our VA medical centers. We can never repay these valiant vets for the sacrifices they have made, but we can do something to cheer them up and let them know that they have not been forgotten.

Thousands of Salvation Army volunteers distribute valentines and gifts to various VA facilities around the country. Camp Fire Boys and Girls have been giving valentines to our veterans for quite some time. God bless them. This year, the National Headache Foundation will be delivering giant cards and cakes to VA hospitals across America, including Chicago, Los Angeles and New York.

Teachers, you have always been extremely helpful and supportive. I'm depending on you once more to make this a class project. Those handmade valentines are real heartwarmers, especially the ones made by the younger students. Please encourage your students to be creative, and let them learn firsthand the satisfaction that comes from doing something for others.

This year, please make a special effort to drop off your valentines in person. It means so much to the veterans when you take the extra time to visit and say hello. I know of nothing you can do that would cost so little and bring so much happiness to the men and women who were willing to lay down their lives for us. They deserve to be remembered. Thank you all and God bless. -- Ann Landers